Jordan: Star Wars - Rogue OneWadi Rum: the Desert Moon of Jedha

Location

Rogue One was shot in some of the world's most stunning places, including the Maldives, Iceland and Wadi Rum in Jordan. The latter stood in for Jedha, a desert moon that orbits the planet of NaJedha.

According to film director Gareth Edwards, the name of 'Jedha' is an intentional reminder of the word 'Jedi', given its significance as a place of pilgrimage for believers in the Force: “If you believe in the Jedi and you believe in the Force, it feels like Jedha is somewhere you should visit in your lifetime. It’s like a spiritual home of the Jedi. It’s got to be like a Mecca or a Jerusalem, but in the ‘Star Wars’ world." (Source: IndieWire 2015).

Two iconic locations were used in the Wadi Rum area:

The rock bridge of Kharaz, one of several natural arches in the Wadi Rum area.

Sunset point a few kilometres north of the Wadi Rum Road.

Key Scenes

Share this on:

Jyn Erso, Rebel intelligence officer Cassian Andor and Imperial droid K-2SO land their spaceship in the desert surrounding the Holy City of Jedha. Their mission: To find the rebel Saw Gerrera who has an important message from Jyn's father to pass on to the leadership of the Rebellion.

Cassian: "That's Jedha. Or what's left of it. We find Saw, we find your father."

Lyn and Cassian move to a vantage point on foot and scout the situation at the Holy City from a safe distance.

They quickly find out the Empire has already established a strong presence on Jedha:

Jyn: "What's with the Destroyer?" Cassian: "It's because of your old friend, Saw Gerrera. He's been attacking the cargo shipments."

Jyn: "What are they bringing in?"

Cassian: "It's 'what are they taking out?' Kyber crystal. All they can get. We wondered why they were stripping the temple, now we know. It's the fuel for the weapon."

K2-SO: "The weapon your father's building."

Jyn: "Maybe we should leave target practice behind."

K2-SO: "Are you talking about me?"

Cassian to K2-SO: "She's right. We need to blend in. Stay with the ship."

K2-SO: "I can blend in. I'm an Imperial droid. This city is under Imperial occupation."

Jyn: "Half the people here want to reprogram you. The other half want to put a hole in your head."

K2-SO: "I'm surprised you're so concerned with my safety."

Jyn: "I'm not. I'm just worried they might miss you and hit me."

K2-SO: "Doesn't sound so bad to me."

Videos

Share this on:

Map

Share this on:

It is important to note that the two locations illustrated under 'Key Scenes' lie just outside the actual Wadi Rum National Park, on the northern side of the main road. However, this area is still considered part of the wider Wadi Rum region.

The viewpoint for the rock bridge of Kharaz is at N29° 48' 35" E35° 27' 22" or 29.809722 / 35.456111.

The viewpoint for the sunset point is at N29° 45' 2" E35° 26' 18" or 29.750556 / 35.438333.